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Sony Ericsson boot loader unlocked, white iPhone 4, Motorola’s 7-inch tablet: US Update
Motorola’s rugged Android tablet runs Android 2.3, packs 7-inch display
Help Microsoft set a Guinness world record for largest virtual 100m dash
Sony Ericsson boot loader unlock arrives for select Xperia handsets
Microsoft proves Windows Phone 7 has the fastest browser [video]
White iPhone 4 to arrive in a few weeks: here we go again
Best iPhone apps: app of the day = Puzzle Planets
Motorola Xoom invades our Best Android tablet Top 5
Motorola Xoom review: A bittersweet taste of Honeycomb
BlackBerry Touch spied, Windows 8 and Minority Report mobile shopping: Lunchtime Lowdown

Sony Ericsson boot loader unlocked, white iPhone 4, Motorola’s 7-inch tablet: US Update

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 07:00 PM PDT

It's time to kick off your morning with a full serving of tech news, squeezed fresh daily. In today's US Update we take a look at the Sony Ericsson boot loader unlocker, update you on the white iPhone 4 release date and even reveal Motorola's upcoming 7-inch tablet. Let's begin, shall we?

The mythical white iPhone 4 will be released in "a few weeks" according to a source speaking to Bloomberg. In the latest report, the unnamed source has confirmed the latest delays are related to the paint peeling under heat. Microsoft has released a video showing a HTC Windows Phone 7 device, iPhone 4 and Nexus S running a HTML5 speed reading demo. The winner might shock you, check out the video here.

If you have the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, Arc, Neo, or Pro, head on over to Sony Ericsson's website and download the official boot loader unlock. We've got the scoop and how to find out if your smartphone qualifies. Microsoft is looking for willing and able Kinect owners who want to help make history. Microsoft wants the Xbox community to set a record for the "most people running a virtual 100m dash at one time." Ready to help?

Last up this morning is a rugged 7-inch Android tablet aimed at the Enterprise market. The tablet packs an OMAP4 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of NAND, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 8-megapixel rear and several special perks for added durability. That wraps up your Thursday morning in the world of tech. As always I'm Nick Marshall and I'll be bringing you another fresh dose of tech news tomorrow.

Motorola’s rugged Android tablet runs Android 2.3, packs 7-inch display

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:48 PM PDT

The Motorola Xoom might be the talk of the town for now, but word on the street is the company has plans to release a smaller, rugged Android tablet. Captured in a leaked slide this afternoon, the purported Motorola tablet features a 7-inch display, dual-core OMAP4 processor and ships with Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Ready to dive in?

The rugged Android tablet (pictured below) is aimed directly the Enterprise market. In fact, during the today's presentation Motorola called the unnamed tablet the “first physical embodiment defining Android for the Enterprise." Appropriately, Motorola has included the same 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera as seen on the Xoom, but added illumination and aiming for barcode scanning.

The 7-inch transmissive display runs at 1024 x 600 with 400 nit, complete with multi-touch functionality. Under the hood an OMAP4 dual-core 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM and 8GB NAND are on-board. Standard connectivity options are also in tow: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, USB, HDMI out.

To earn its rugged title, the tablet can withstand a four foot drop, dust, splashing water and 0 to 50 Celsius operating temperature. For now the tablet remains in beta, where it will reside until October of this year. We're not too sure how an Android 2.3 Gingerbread tablet will be greeted six months from now, but maybe Google will play ball and send out a Honeycomb update.

Coming Soon | Motorola | TBD [via Engadget]

Help Microsoft set a Guinness world record for largest virtual 100m dash

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:24 PM PDT

Are you one of the millions of Microsoft Kinect owners out there? Microsoft needs your help. During the Xbox Nations free Xbox Live Gold preview weekend (April 21-25) Microsoft wants the Xbox community to set a record for the "most people running a virtual 100m dash at one time." Ready to help set a Guinness world record?

Let's start with the important details: In order to participate you'll obviously need a Xbox 360 and the Kinect sensor. Next, you'll need to download a free Xbox Nations gamer pic and play Kinect Sports sprint mini-game while connected to Xbox Live at the appropriate time. For those in the UK that time would be 6pm on Saturday, April 23rd ( or 7pm CET / 10am PDT / 1pm EDT Saturday).

As a reward for your efforts, everyone who downloads the gamer pic and completes the record attempt will be given a free Guinness World Records avatar tee (seen above). Now that you've heard the scoop, who will be joining us on April 23rd? I think it might be time to get off the fence and buy the Kinect bundle.

via Winrumors

Sony Ericsson boot loader unlock arrives for select Xperia handsets

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:11 PM PDT

Oh how I feel for Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 owners who ponied up the funds to support their manufacturer of choice. Unfortunately SE does not share this admiration as the company has released the promised boot loader unlock with one key omission: the Xperia X10. Only 2011 SE models have been treated to the unlock, so for now that party includes the Xperia Play, neo, pro and Arc.

The Sony Ericsson boot loader unlock is yet another case of 'if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is'. Over on the company's website a new subdomain has been created unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com, offering instructions and download links detailing on how to unlock your device.

Assuming you have one of the aforementioned smartphones, you'll still need to connect your phone to the Fastboot tool in the Android SDK. If the phone can connect to Fastboot, the boot loader can be unlocked.

In order to proceed you'll need to provide SE with your name, email address and the first 14 digits of your phone's IMEI number. After you submit the information you can download and install the latest Android SDK and then grab the appropriate zip file to complete the unlock.

Although the method is provided by Sony Ericsson, doing so 'may void your warranty', 'certain functions in your phone might cease to work' and 'performance might not be ideal'. If you have considered the risks, you may proceed. For those in attendance who plan on unlocking the boot loader feel free to let us know how things are going, we'd love an update.

Out Now | Sony Ericsson | Free

Microsoft proves Windows Phone 7 has the fastest browser [video]

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:47 PM PDT

What happens when you take an iPhone 4, Nexus S and HTC Windows Phone 7 to the web? The HTC Windows Phone 7 device walks away a winner. In a video captured at Microsoft's MIX conference this morning, the company showed off the progress they've made with their mobile IE9 browser and hardware acceleration.

Using a HTML5 speed reading demo, Windows Phone VP Joe Belfiore gave the iPhone 4 a head start and then (nearly) simultaneous opened the same page on the Nexus S and HTC Windows Phone 7 smartphone. Granted, this is not a reflection of every browsing scenario, but it is still quite impressive. It appears HTML5 standards based native browsing with hardware acceleration is the way to go.

Now that you've seen the video evidence has your opinion of Windows Phone 7 changed? For me the IE9 hardware acceleration looks promising, but I'll need to see a Windows Phone update roll out without a hiccup before I retire my iOS and Android smartphones.

YouTube [via AndroidandMe]

White iPhone 4 to arrive in a few weeks: here we go again

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 05:24 PM PDT

Apple knows the expression 'showing up late to the party' all too well. After a 10 month hiatus, Bloomberg is reporting the mythical white iPhone 4 will arrive in a matter of weeks. Keep in mind this is not the first, and probably not the last, we've heard the white iPhone 4 is coming. Feels a little bit like CDMA iPhone deja vu, don't you think?

The purported white iPhone 4 will be offered in both GSM and CDMA flavors. In the US, At&t and Verizon will lock down the vanilla smartphone by the end of April, fitting the bill for a release within "a few weeks". As usual, the source who spoke with Bloomberg remains anonymous and asked not to be identified.

Now for an interest tidbit disclosed by the anonymous source. Apparently the latest delay in the white iPhone 4 is related to the paint peeling under heat. Previously, Apple insider and one-time employee, Steve Wozniak was on the Engadget Show where he showed off his hand-made white iPhone 4. Using genuine Apple parts which were scheduled to be destroyed, he offered his own insight on the delays, citing camera flash over-exposures and proximity sensor errors as the culprits delaying the release.

At this point the real question is whether or not anyone is still interested in a white iPhone 4. With a fifth generation iPhone right around the corner how many of you in the audience are still holding ontop the white iPhone 4 dream?

via 9to5Mac

Best iPhone apps: app of the day = Puzzle Planets

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 10:32 AM PDT

While a lot of iPhone puzzle apps stick with the traditional 2D layout, Puzzle Planet forces you to work in 3D as you spin planets to complete the crust, create ravines, mountains and volcanos and add life to landmasses while battling with comet strikes. If that sounds hectic, you’re right.

Puzzle Planets earns its place in our best iPhone apps list on the back of great 3D visuals that pop on the iPhone 4‘s Retina screen combined with gameplay that’s by turns challenging and filled with enough pay-offs to keep you coming back.

The game is based on some real science as a tie-in for the National Geographic Channel’s Clash of the Continents. It’s a brilliant game whatever its purpose and you can check it out on video after the below…

Out now | £0.59 | iTunes

Motorola Xoom invades our Best Android tablet Top 5

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 08:33 AM PDT

If you caught our Motorola Xoom review earlier, you’ll know we were pretty pleased with the very first Android Honeycomb tablet. While it’s not quite as beautiful and seamless an experience as the iPad 2, the potential is plain to see, and it’s still enough to claim the title as best Android tablet. Read on to see the shake up.

Look over to the right of this page and you’ll see the Motorola Xoom sitting at number one on our best Android tablet top 5, displacing the Samsung Galaxy Tab and shunting Archos’ Home Tablet off the list entirely. Given it’s the first tablet running software Google actually intended for tablets, this should come as no surprise.

What might is that we’ve placed it on our best gadgets of 2011 list, and at number two on our best tablet Top 5, above the original iPad. We feel that if you’re not going to opt for super thin style and substance in the iPad 2, you’ll love the raw power of Android 3.0 and tight Google integration over the original iPad’s slightly thick frame.

What do you reckon? Is the Motorola Xoom really better than the Advent Vega, or your Archos 101? Sounds off with your thoughts in the comments.

Motorola Xoom review: A bittersweet taste of Honeycomb

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 04:45 AM PDT

The Motorola Xoom Android tablet feels like a crash dummy for Google’s Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. It’s almost as if Moto and Google decided to put it out there against the iPad 2 and see what happens, then check the damage in post-mortem and slow-mo replay. Does the Xoom stay the course? Should Apple be worried? Read on for our full Motorola Xoom review and find out.

We’ll say it up front: the Motorola Xoom is the best Android tablet yet, and Honeycomb is so feature packed that we can see this becoming the second big tablet OS, and very, very quickly at that. If only Google gave its software to people, not engineers, to test.

Design and build

It's not beautiful, it's nto even handsome. But it almost doesn't matter.

Laid flat, the 10.1-inch Motorola Xoom is almost indistinguishable from the first Nvidia Tegra 2 tablet, the cut price Advent Vega. It’s a bezelicious, smudgy affair, and the 16:9 ratio screen lends itself well to video, but not to being held in portrait mode.

Flip it around and Motorola’s design aesthetic is much more obvious: it feels like a cross between a Motorola Defy and the original Motorola Milestone, with its black rubber and matter silver shading.

Buy the Motorola Xoom now

The top edge houses the 3.5mm audio port and the microSD card slot (which won’t be activated until a future firmware update, so you’re stuck with 32GB), while the bottom half fits in the micro USB and HDMI connections along with the charger – that’s right, the Xoom uses a proprietary charger, and it comes with a rather chunky power brick as well. It’s the price you have to pay for charging a huge battery efficiently we suppose, but more confusing is the positioning of the screen lock and power button: it’s on the back, so you’re constantly performing a er, “reach around”, to get at it.

When held, you’ll certainly feel the heft: the Xoom is around 100g heavier than the iPad 2, and at 12.9mm thick, almost fifty percent as deep. But it’s sturdy and not really any less portable, so don’t discount it for this reason alone: just know you’re getting some functional, not beautiful.

Display

The screen is bright and sharp - we've got not real gripes here

The 1280×800 screen on the Motorola Xoom is actually slightly sharper than the iPad 2′s touchscreen, though whether you prefer the widescreen ratio will be a matter of preference. It’s also set much closer to the surface than the Vega’s screen, although the glass is just as prone to garnering fingerprints.

If we had to choose, we’d probably still opt for the IPS display of the iPad 2, since colour and viewing angles seem to be more satisfactory, but hardware isn’t the reason you’ll be buying an Android tablet. It’s the software.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Android 3.0 is a refreshing take on tablet software - it's here to stay

Android tablets are nothing new: we’ve seen a cascade of them over the last eighteen months turn into a waterfall. The thing is, none of them have been ones Google has been willing to endorse – and the few it has given its Gmail and Android Market blessing to were only on a technicality (That their 3G connections still made them phones).

The Motorola Xoom however is the first slate to run Android 3.0, which has been designed by Google from the ground up for tablets, and not phones – it’s as the search giant intended, with no rogue manufacturer modifications, and we hope it stays that way. Already we can see Android 3.0 is hugely ambitious, productive, and full to the brim with handy features.

Gone is the cartoon layout of Android of old in favour of a more Tron-like design theme, and the physical buttons have been moved to the bottom left corner of the screen itself, but the core OS is still the same. You get homescreens on which to slap widgets and shortcuts, you can multitask with ease, and the keyboard is almost identical to the QWERTY found on Android 2.3 – it’s much more efficient than Apple’s keyboard stretched over such a large display.

Best Android apps of all time: Top 100

“Adult” is the wrong word, but the experience definitely feels less patronising than that of the iPad. For one, you can actually see the current state of the apps you have running by hitting the multitasking bar, not just some stock icon. The browser is scorchingly fast and feels just like Chrome on a desktop PC, right down to the visible tabs along the top and Incognito surfing mode.

Yay for notifications that pop up, then mind their own business

Then there’s the notification system: it’s country miles ahead of Apple’s obtrusive alerts. Updates from apps and emails simply appear in the bottom right hand corner: you can tap to review them, or simply ignore them. The point is, they don’t get all up in your grill until you wave them away.

Throughout all of this, the Tegra 2 dual core CPU powering the Xoom never faltered – except when the software did.

You see, Android Honeycomb packs as many user unfriendly features (most of them bugs when apps like the browser crash) as it does helpful ones. Google really needs to give this slate out to people who’ve never used a tablet before, and get them to try and figure it out. Some things make no sense: the settings and options for an app will sometimes appear in the top right or bottom left, like a frustrating game of whack a mole, and the ability to switch accounts in the Android Market will confuse more people than it’ll gratify.

Then there’s the app issues: while the games we tested mapped to the sharper screen just fine (including Angry Birds Rio), many mobile Android apps don’t make best use of the space. The Facebook Android app’s menu screen for instance takes up about three percent of the entire display, which will likely leave newcomers confused. As for Honeycomb apps themselves, well, there aren’t many – we’re hopeful this will change, and there’s plenty to be getting on with in the Android Market in the meantime.

Cameras

You'll rarely ever need to use the rear camera - just as well given the results

Why would you use a tablet to take photos? We genuinely don’t know, since anyone interested in a tablet is almost certainly going to be equipped with an equally capable smartphone camera on their person at the same time. Maybe that’s why Motorola put so little effort into the mediocre five megapixel sensor on the back of the Xoom: shots are washy, and 720p is a chore to film simply because it’s so much heavier than a pocket camcorder or mobile.

On the plus side, Google Talk is a whole lot more useful than FaceTime for video chatting, since you can phone a lot more people than just your friends with iPhone 4s who happen to be in a Wi-Fi hotspot at the time you dial. It’s seamless, although picture quality from the 2MP front camera on the recipient’s end is noticeably pixellated compared to a GTalk chat conducted through MacBook webcams. Better than nothing though, right?

Battery life

We’ve got no cause to complain about battery life on the Motorola Xoom. While the Samsung Galaxy Tab tanks out after just a few days on standby with push email the Motorola Xoom holds its juice for much longer, and we found it genuinely lives up to Motorola’s claim of 10 hours of use on a charge – that’s on a par with the iPad. Kudos has to go to Google for working on Android’s power consumption issues.

Verdict

Android Honeycomb isn’t quite ready for prime time. It’s frustrating at times, and the optimised apps aren’t out in force yet.

But it is ready for the sizeable army of people already willing to put up with cheap hardware and terrible UI just to avoid Apple’s clutch. Ultimately, these problems combined with the chunkier build make the Motorola Xoom an item only Android devotees should choose over an iPad 2 – but they’ll be very glad they made the decision. This is just the start.

BlackBerry Touch spied, Windows 8 and Minority Report mobile shopping: Lunchtime Lowdown

Posted: 13 Apr 2011 04:32 AM PDT

We make it bang on halfway through the working week, which seems as good a time as any to take stock of what’s been happening. We’ve got new phones, bonkers tech and unreleased software galore for you here in the lunchtime lowdown.

First up, let’s talk mobile. We saw a leaked video of the BlackBerry Touch looking tasty indeed, but that wasn’t all – we scoped out some even more insane tech for you. As well as a ring made by Nokia to control your phone, we saw an impressive new customer service approach from Three, with Minority Report style video hands ons.

Online meanwhile, the rumours are starting to swirl around the launch of Windows 8. We could be seeing it unveiled as soon as September.

Still want more news? Roll on over to the homepage and help yourself to it all as it breaks!